Description
This Crockpot Apple Sauce recipe offers a simple and delicious way to prepare homemade applesauce with tender, naturally sweetened apples infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Using a slow cooker allows the apples to gently soften over several hours, enhancing their flavor and creating a smooth, comforting sauce perfect as a snack, dessert, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop six large apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped apples in the crockpot. Add ½ cup of water, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the crockpot with the apples.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the apples are very tender and breaking apart easily.
- Mash or Blend: Once cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the apples to your desired consistency for smooth or chunky applesauce.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar according to apple sweetness and personal preference.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness or sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala for naturally sweeter sauce.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor further.
- This applesauce can be served warm or cold, and is great as a snack, dessert, or side dish.
- Leftover applesauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
